Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1887-07-06
Mtsrellanegns.
HE DIED GAME.

One-two - three - four fve-six-
seven! Seven CHASTITY, sun-bleached
skeletons, and one unmarked grave!
The men at the camp rise early, for is
not there to be glorious run after buffa-
lo-a glorious sport known to man? And
as the hunters file out of the tents and
gather around the SPOT where the morning
meal is waiting, it is easy to see that they
are men who can appreciate the sport.
Stalwart, handsome, muscular men; they
are noble representatives of the pioneers
who watch on the picket line of our great
frontier. All have passed the middle age.
except one, called Charley by his COM
panions, and if the latter is not so old as
the other hunters, it is evident from the
marked attention shown him that he is no
tyro in the noble sport.
| The men eat the simple meal and talk
OF the coming sport. The dangeris moth
| ing to them unless to give zets to the oc-
casion. What matters it il the red devils
of the west are on the war path? What
have dozen frontiersmen. armed with
trusty Winchesters. Colts revolvers,
and the formidable bowie knife to fear
from score of Indians? Gradually the
conversation took lighter tone. The
hardy pioneers talk of the loved ones
away in the States and if no tears course
down the bronzed cheeks the heart beats
quicker as they picture the old home
stead. Charley is the last to speak, for
this hunting party is farewell entertain
ment to him, and tomorrow he will leave
for home where his aged mother and bon
ME sweetheart are awaiting him, and his
companions will wish him Godspeed on
his journey home and through life.
What magnificent sight! AS far as
the eye can reach Is one struggling mass
of buffalo. A mighty, living cyclone.
with irresistible force the body sweeps on.
The ground is broken and every vestige
of vegetation is swept out of existence in
the broad path over which the body moves.
On the left flank of this mass hang the
hunters, and at each crack of the Win
chesters dumb brute goes down. In the
| front ranks of the pursuers. with eyes
| flashing and muscles drawn to their ut
most tension, rides Charley. His eyes
are fixed upon one particular animal, and
he has singled out this magnificent bull
for his prey. Once-twice-three times
he fires, and the animal escapes Then
the brute gradually draws off from the
hero and begins TO circle to the left. The
pursuer, now deadly in earnest, toll
lows. while the main he'd and band of
hunters continue their course. One hour
two hours-three hours. and the race
continues. The main herd and little band
of hunters have long since passed out of
sight but this race for life and prey goes
on. Suddenly the horse steps in a rabbit
hole the leg is broken. the rider thrown.
and the race ended
Truly deporable accident Away off
to the west-now mere speck on the
horizon-is the animal which the young
hunter bad pursued. By his side, with
eyes fully expressing the pain he feels,
stands the noble steed which has carried
him so well, and which failed at last
through no fault of his owD. North,
SOUTH east and west sweeps the unbroken
plain. covered with short grass. Yes, an
accident much to be regretted, and
vet merely an accident in hunters
life-an accident in which there is
no danger The hunter examines his
wounded horse, and then draws his re-
volver; it is better to kill the faithful SER
want and relieve him from pain. AS he
places the weapon to the animals head
the master turns away his face. that he
may not see his work AT the report the
noble animal falls, raises his head and at
tempts to caress the hand which has been
, so cruel and yet kind, and with an almost
human groan the faithful brute expires.
Yet once again the hunters eyes sweep
the horizon No human beng in sight
Well, he must wait till his companions
discover his absence, and search tor him ;
it is merely question of few hours, and
there is no danger. Stay Away off to
the right is ravine; is that all ? Above it
the young man discovers the gaudy head
dress OF an Indian. Well, after all, it may
be but one, and what has he to fear from
single redskinp With his eye fixed on
the spot the hunter waits. One-two-
three-four-a dozen-twenty and then
as the whole band sweeps into view, he
ceases to count. The look of disappoint-
ment on his face has given way to anxiety,
and then a look of determination comes
over his features as he makes rude breast
work out OF the carcass of his steed.
One against fifty Truly an unequal
contest! The band of red devils sweep on
until they come in range of the deadly
w lttUtsltI oit, WV, tuiCC' lVut
90 down before the fire, some dead, some
wounded. and the hostles draw off; evil
IDENTIFY this man means fight. After mo
ment's consultation the band sweeps in a
circle around the defender, hanging over
their ponies for protection, keeping up a
constant fire. 1t is an old Indian trick,
and the hunter is too well versed in Indian
tactics to waste his ammunition. Five
times only he fires. and two Indians are
killed and three manned for life. Other
tactics must be resorted to.
The young hunter had been hit by two
balls, and uses the time spent by the In
dams in consultation in stopping the flow
of blood and filling the magazine OF his
rifle He clinches his white teeth, and
waits for the final charge. Then the
assaulting party divides into two columns,
and while one assaults in front, the other
circles to the rear Two more Indians go
down. and then the party in the unprotec-
ted rear opens fire. A dozen bullets strike
the hero, but single pistol shot is the
only answer. Knowing the contest to be
hopeless. and his wounds mortal, young
Charlie had taken his own lite.
The next day the hunters return. Old
Ben views he scene of the combat, and his
features are stern and fixed. The rough